The best laid schemes…

PLATFORM 2 at London Victoria station has seen its fair share of special events and dignitaries over the years. Many readers will fondly remember it from their first venture to the Continent, perhaps a special celebration on the British Pullman, or even an Orient Express trip.

On the morning of Saturday, September 5 at 09.15 there was a gathering of a different nature as preparations were made for the departure of the GB Railfreight (GBRf) Charity Railtour. Aficionados will not need to be reminded that GBRf railtours are no ordinary out-and-back trips. This one was a four-day marathon plus one overnight leg on board the train, sitting up, no sleeping berths –a full train too, so no sprawling out across spare seats. The faint-hearted should not apply.

Paul Taylor has earned a reputation over many years as heading a team of GBRf volunteers which excels in designing and implementing imaginative itineraries. All railtours have their surprises, but Paul and his team endeavour to make them pleasant ones.

As a charitable concern operating from within the industry, Paul freely admits he gets more cooperation and better prices than a commercial operator might otherwise have done. Indeed, it is not too much to claim that he enjoys the way in which the separate parts of the industry come together to support a good cause. The contribution towards teamwork within GBRf is considerable, featuring the efforts of, for instance, volunteer traincrew to staff the wide range of routes.